Monday

Jul 25, 2011 at 12:01 AMJul 25, 2011 at 9:00 AM

While tinkering around in my garden recently, I realized that many of the things that I love to do are actually (almost) free. I happily fiddle around outside for hours, pruning and watering and looking for those shockingly large and hard-to-find tomato caterpillars. I excitedly scour my cabinets to concoct something our family will enjoy for dinner. Here are some thoughts to investigate on your own – you’ll like discover that the things you treasure are almost free, too.

While tinkering around in my garden recently, I realized that many of the things that I love to do are actually (almost) free. I happily fiddle around outside for hours, pruning and watering and looking for those shockingly large and hard-to-find tomato caterpillars. I excitedly scour my cabinets to concoct something our family will enjoy for dinner. I walk through the neighborhood and enjoy the view of the open western sky and preserved wetlands in our area.

For someone often fixated on the financial side of things, this was quite a revelation. I suppose it sometimes takes a light bulb moment to realize how good you’ve got it. Here are some thoughts to investigate on your own – you’ll like discover that the things you treasure are almost free, too.

Get active

The sky really is the limit, as most folks own a bike or rollerblades or just a pair of sneakers. Find a way to make activity a part of your day in a way that doesn’t break the bank. Your body will thank you and your savings account will, too. Take activity a step further by making it a family affair. Scope out used items, like a volleyball net or soccer goals, on sites like www.bookoo.com. For a few dollars, involve your family or neighbors in your active endeavors.

Get creative

You can be creative in almost any way; for me, it happens mostly in the kitchen. Ditch your recipes and vow to create one meal a week from items you already have on hand. If you’re more into the artistic vein of creativity, go through craft bins and supplies. Hold a contest with kids; give them a strange array of items, like straws, construction paper, aluminum foil and glue. Sit back and watch what they create.

Get in touch with nature

Plant something, plant anything. Watching gardening efforts turn into something amazing before your eyes teaches us all a bit about nurturing. If you start from seed, your expense will be next to nothing, but your payoff enormous. Next spring, mark off small plots for kids and give them the opportunity to plant and tend to it on their own.

Get connected

While it sounds simple, we don’t often take time to connect with our friends and loved ones. Make an effort to plan quality time with your children, spouse or parents. Call an old friend over for coffee or plan a potluck family barbecue with your siblings and their families. The time is now to nurture your most important relationships.

Molly Logan Anderson is a freelance writer who lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Mike, three kids and two labs. Join Molly on her family’s journey of living a frugal life and making financial freedom their reality in her columns and on her blog www.butterfliesandmupdpies.blogspot.com or visit her website at www.mollylogananderson.com.

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